A 2.5-ton electric forklift (2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs capacity at a 500 mm load center) is one of the most popular material handling classes worldwide. It offers an ideal balance of power and maneuverability for warehouses, distribution centers, and light manufacturing. In 2026, the market provides a wide range of models from global brands, with prices typically ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 for lead-acid models and $25,000 to $45,000 for lithium-ion versions [1†L19-L21].
Popular 2.5 Ton Electric Forklift Models (2026)
Brand Model Key Feature Voltage Width Turning Radius Weight
Yale ERP2.5N 80V, 18 kW traction motor, 20.7 kW hoist motor, 18 km/h travel speed 80V 1,185 mm 1.96 m 3.16 t [0†L4-L7]
Yale ERP25VLL 80V, 20 kW traction, 24 kW hoist, 21 km/h travel speed 80V 1,289 mm 2.07 m 3.89 t [0†L28-L31]
Caterpillar EP25N 80V, 16 kW traction motor, 20.8 kW hoist motor, 20 km/h travel speed 80V 1,190 mm 2.06 m 4.70 t [0†L17-L19]
Toyota 8FB25 48V (standard), 4-wheel electric, regenerative braking 48V 1,230 mm 2,170 mm 4.97 t [3†L16-L18][3†L26]
Hyundai 25BE-X 48V lead-acid or lithium, low noise, low energy consumption 48V 1,215 mm 2,135 mm 4.48 t [4†L5-L6][4†L18]
Noblelift FE4P25N 48V, 11 kW traction motor, 4 pneumatic wheels, lithium optional, up to 6,500 mm lift 48V 1,260 mm — 4.26 t [6†L7][6†L15]
Jungheinrich EFG C25L 48V, 3-phase AC motors, up to 5,500 lb capacity 48V 1,055 mm — — [5†L26]
Lonking 2.5t Electric 80V motor, 205Ah battery capacity 80V — — — [0†L21-L24]
XCMG XVB25-QL8-C 153.6V high-voltage lithium, 22/23 km/h travel speed 153.6V — — — [0†L37-L39]
Key Specifications
Yale ERP2.5N & ERP25VLL
Specification ERP2.5N ERP25VLL
Load Capacity 2,500 kg 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm 500 mm
Voltage 80V 80V
Traction Motor 18 kW 20 kW
Hoist Motor 20.7 kW 24 kW
Total Width 1,185 mm 1,289 mm
Construction Height 2,193 mm 2,193 mm
Turning Radius 1.96 m 2.07 m
Weight 3.16 t 3.89 t
Travel Speed 18 km/h 21 km/h
Mast 3-stage, full free lift 3-stage, full free lift [2†L14]
*Sources: * [0†L4-L7][0†L28-L31]
Caterpillar EP25N
Specification Value
Load Capacity 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm
Voltage 80V
Traction Motor 16 kW
Hoist Motor 20.8 kW
Total Width 1,190 mm
Construction Height 2,145 mm
Turning Radius 2.06 m
Weight 4.70 t
Travel Speed 20 km/h
Tires Front: 23 × 9 - 10 / Rear: 18 × 7 - 8
*Source: * [0†L17-L19]
Toyota 8FB25
Specification Value
Load Capacity 2,500 kg
Voltage 48V (Standard / High)
Battery Capacity 845 Ah (Standard)
Overall Width 1,230 mm
Length to Fork Face 2,435 mm
Outside Turning Radius 2,170 mm
Fork Size 1,070 × 120 × 40 mm
Machine Weight 4,970 kg
Mast V3 (3-stage)
*Sources: * [3†L16-L18][3†L21-L22][3†L26]
Hyundai 25BE-X
Specification Value
Load Capacity 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm
Voltage 48V (lithium or lead-acid)
Battery Amperage 600 Ah
Total Width 1,215 mm
Construction Height 2,175 mm
Turning Radius 2,135 mm
Operating Weight 4,484 kg
Travel Speed 15 km/h
Mast Triplex, 4,700 mm lift height [4†L33]
*Sources: * [4†L5-L6][4†L14][4†L18][4†L26-L27]
Noblelift FE4P25N
Specification Value
Load Capacity 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm
Voltage 48V
Traction Motor 11 kW
Total Width 1,260 mm
Weight (with battery) 4,260 kg
Tires 4 pneumatic
Lift Height 2,000 – 6,500 mm (depending on mast)
Battery Lead-acid (standard) or lithium (optional)
*Sources: * [6†L7][6†L11][6†L15]
Jungheinrich EFG C25L
Specification Value
Load Capacity 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm
Voltage 48V
Total Width 1,055 mm
Construction Height 2,235 mm
Tires Cushion
Motor Type 3-phase AC
Capacity (lbs) 5,500
*Source: * [5†L26-L27]
2026 Price Ranges
The 2.5-ton category is the best-selling segment of the electric forklift market [1†L19-L20].
Configuration Price Range (USD) Notes
Lead-Acid Models $20,000 – $35,000 Lower upfront cost; requires regular maintenance [1†L20-L21]
Lithium-Ion Models $25,000 – $45,000 Higher upfront cost; lower TCO; fast charging [1†L21]
Standard Counterbalance (2.5–3.5 t) $21,800 – $36,000 Depending on battery size and charger package [1†L24-L26]
Entry-Level / Chinese Models $12,000 – $25,000 Rippa, Lonking, generic brands
Premium Models $28,000 – $35,000 Hyundai, Toyota, Yale, Jungheinrich
Total Cost of Ownership (5-Year Projection):
Diesel 2.5T: ~$78,000+ (fuel $45,000, maintenance $15,000)
Electric (Lithium) 2.5T: $44,000 – $51,000 (fuel $12,000, maintenance $4,000)
*Sources: * [1†L10-L13]
How to Choose the Right 2.5 Ton Electric Forklift
1. Battery Type
Lithium-ion costs 25–30% more upfront but offers faster opportunity charging, zero maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership. Lead-acid is cheaper initially but requires regular watering and equalization.
2. Lift Height
Standard masts offer 3,000 mm lift height. Options up to 6,500 mm are available from manufacturers like Noblelift [6†L11-L12] and Jungheinrich [5†L33-L35].
3. Operating Environment
For indoor warehouses, cushion tires are standard. For mixed indoor/outdoor use, pneumatic tires provide better traction and stability.
4. Brand and Dealer Support
Premium brands (Yale, Caterpillar, Toyota, Jungheinrich, Hyundai) offer extensive dealer networks, stronger resale value, and comprehensive warranties. Chinese brands offer lower upfront costs but may have limited local support.
The bottom line: A 2.5-ton electric forklift offers 2,500 kg capacity with 500 mm load center. Prices range from $20,000 to $45,000 depending on battery type (lead-acid vs. lithium-ion). Leading models include Yale ERP2.5N (80V, 18 kW traction, 18 km/h), Caterpillar EP25N (80V, 20 km/h travel speed), Toyota 8FB25 (48V, 4.97 t weight), Hyundai 25BE-X (48V, 4.48 t, 15 km/h), Noblelift FE4P25N (48V, up to 6,500 mm lift), and Jungheinrich EFG C25L (48V, 1,055 mm wide). Choose lithium-ion for multi-shift operations and lower TCO; choose lead-acid for single-shift, budget-conscious applications.